Today's Opinions

In a recent telephone conversation with a cousin, Rose Richerson Wise of Brenham, Texas, we exchanged several complimenting comments about our lives in Taylor County, which I want to pass on to those who knew us in our youth and are still alive to read this.

Through example, our families and neighbors instilled in us values and codes of conduct, which have stood us in good stead in our communities. Our teachers taught us the value of learning.

So thank you Taylor County, Ky. for having provided us sturdy blocks upon which to base our principles.

It was with little surprise that I read in Monday's paper that the Baptist Association has once again published its "Where As" statement regarding the upcoming vote on city alcohol sales.

Let's not confuse the issue. This vote has little if anything to do with Christianity.

Alcohol is currently being consumed at the American Legion and Campbellsville Country Club. Are there Christians who go to the American Legion and drink? Probably so. Are there Christians who go to the CCC and drink? Probably so. Does that make them any less Christian? Of course not.

Campbellsville City Council's decision to change the parking on Main Street to include parallel spaces along the south side was a necessary one - for a number of reasons.

There were no established standards for roads back when Main Street was built, so it's too narrow for many of today's larger vehicles. And that makes for close quarters on busy days.

In addition, Main Street is a choice for many who are hoping to bypass the congestion that sometimes occurs on Broadway. That only adds to the traffic and the potential that the crowded parking creates.

For years community newspapers have been riding the coattails of metropolitan dailies. The ride hasn't been all that great.

Nationally, newspaper readership has taken its share of hits and criticisms. But what we knew in the community journalism business was never allowed to make forecasting reports because the data from our sector was jaded by the dailies, where a different story was emerging.

I noticed that Karen Hayes, Campbellsville Taylor County Anti-Drug Coalition, says we should show we care - ban smoking.

Well, I care what alcohol, marijuana and all the other pills and needles do. Some quit smoking so they get on dope so no one will notice. All this above will cause death, beat on children, molest their parents, hemorrhage though the nose, burn up your brain, cause cirrhosis of the liver and eventually death.

The Taylor County Baptist Association is concerned about the ongoing effort to place a local option on the ballot in the City of Campbellsville that would allow for the sale of alcoholic beverages in restaurants under certain conditions.